Bomba Days

We Matter...

2012-02-01T09:40:00.002-06:00

...that's right. We matter to God. God is concerned about you and I. Whatever concerns you, concerns Him. WOW!

If we could just wrap our heads around that. The creater of the Universe cares for me and you!

He cannot be compaired to an earthly human being. The way He feels for us cannot be changed because of what we did or said. WOW! (is anyone shouting right now?)

He cares for us. We matter to Him and He loves us!!!

Random thoughts...

2012-01-23T15:06:00.003-06:00

-It rained so hard and so fast last night that water came into the garage under the garage doors. Thankgoodness that's the only place.

-People who think their poop don't stink irritate me.

-I need to work at being a better husband.

-Everytime a rock hits my car I am thankful that it isn't a brand new car. Not that I am happy about the rock hitting the car, it just makes it less painful.

-This afternoon has gone by soooooo sloooooooow.

-I wish my almost 3 year old would mind us like he does his teacher and grandparents.

-Leftovers for dinner or chick-fil-a. (that is the question?)

-I wish money grew on trees.

-I know I am blessed more than I could ever think or imagine.

-So thankful that God is a forgiving God.

-I need to vacuum.

-I am not doing good at this losing weight thing.

-Would it be considered child abuse if I hung my children upside down by their toenails when they started acting up and not minding?

-Regardless, I love those boys to pieces; they melt my heart.

4 MONTHS!

2012-01-20T15:01:00.003-06:00

Has it really been four months since I last Blogged?! Time really does go by fast. Here are a few things that has been going on:

-We have been in our new home for one year now. Looking foward to remodeling the boys bathroom and then ours and putting a porch over the front door. The majority is going to be DIY, with the help of friends and family, so hopefully the taxes we get back will pay for it all. :-)

-Corban started K3 the first week of this month and he has been LOVING it. He is also on his way to being 100% potty trained. Corban turns 3 in February.

-Asher is 16 months old and growing like a weed. He is no doubt going to be atleast 6 feet tall.

-Jennifer got a well deserved promotion at work. I am so proud of her. She deserved it.

-Come May 1st I will be at my job for 12 years! WOW! Talk about the time going by.

-This past year was a very tough year for us finacially but God always provided and per the ###'s on the scale I didn't miss a meal during those tough financial times. Note to self: LOSE WEIGHT!

-I am excited about what God is doing. With Jennifer's new promotion we will be able to start socking away more money and, lord willing the creek don't rise, we will be able to start planning for our childrens future. This is going to mean that we, Jennifer and I, stay content with the little things in life; which I have to say she always has to keep me in check more than I have to her.

-I am going to work at Keeping my Blog Updated!!!

Our house, Our rules, Our kids toys!

2011-09-20T14:57:00.002-05:00

When you come over to our house I want you to feel as welcome and relaxed as possible. If you have children and they come with you I want them to enjoy playing with my kids and their toys. I do NOT however want my kids toys broken by your kids. Is it too much to ask that you teach your children how to play gently with other peoples toys and if you happen to break it, tell an adult so we are aware of it.

You are welcome to come over as well as your kids and they can play but they are going to respect everything in our home. If you have not taught your children how to conduct themselves at someone elses house rest-assure that I will tell them. You may allow them to break things in your home but it will NOT happen in ours. I do understand that things accidently get broken but it isn't an accident everytime.

So come on over! Eat, drink, laugh, relax, etc., but please respect.

A year already

2011-09-13T11:03:00.003-05:00

Just like others, I have those days that I wish would hurry up and get here or times in my life that I wish would speed up. The truth is though, time is going by so fast. And each passing year seems quicker than the last. '

This past Sept. 1st we have been in our house for a year. Other than painting a few walls, decorating, and putting on a new roof, nothing much more has been done. I have plenty of plans/ideas that I want to do but all in due time. This can be hard for me because I'm a "want it done yesterday" type of person.

During this next year I want to paint and update the bathrooms. We also need to put new windows on the house. That will be another big expense like the roof was but it has to be done. After that I want to paint(or put siding) the house a sage, or hunter, or olive green and do the white shutters and white porch in a yellowish-cream color. I think it will really warm up the place and add LOTS of charm as well as curb appeal. Of course doing all this will also be a big expense so it might be a couple more years before we do it.

In 4 more days our second son, Asher, will be a 1 year old. Now when I think about that it really seems to have been a fast year. Asher's name means "happy/blessed" and he is one happy baby boy. Other than the occasional fuss with his brother he is always quick to give a smile and is pretty much laid back.

My wife and sons are exactly what God knew I needed. They have changed my life in so many ways and though some days are longer/harder than others, I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Remember blogger-world...it is SO easy to focus on the bad things in life but MUCH better and relaxing to focus on the good things. Remember to always give God the glory he deserves. Praise him in the good times and bad. Take it all to the Lord FIRST(make your requests/concerns known to him).

Be blessed!

Something in my spirit...

2011-08-15T14:48:00.001-05:00

When I stepped out on the deck this morning the cool air of 65 degrees brushed across my face and something inside of me leaped.

There is something about Autumn(fall) that does something to my spirit. Every year these feelings arise in my soul and I have never been able to explain them. This year I intend to find out what those feelings are all about.

There are so many hopes, dreams, and visions in my life that I want to see come to pass. And then there is Eric. I am my own worse enemy. I start something and then tell myself that I can't do this or that. I start believing the lies of satan. NOT anymore! I am tired of having this feeling that I can't place.

Lord, show me this Season. Move in me!

Here is a song that sums it all up:

The Shabby Chic headboard

2011-07-28T12:06:00.009-05:00

The Headboard is finished and I couldn't be more pleased with it! LOVE IT!!! Enjoy the pics!

The finished product!

The More I Seek You

2011-07-27T12:50:00.000-05:00

God,

It's your child, Eric. My heart is heavy right now. I don't understand so many things. Your word tells us that your ways are higher than our ways. That your thoughts are greater than our thoughts. But Lord, I don't understand the death of a child.

Father I ask that you comfort the Repass family in the loss of their daughter. I know that she is dancing with you and singing praises to you. I know that she is hurting no more, from anything, but her family and friends that are left behind have a hurt that is so strong right now and it is a hurt that only you can take away. Wrap your arms around them Father. Never let them go.

Lord, I also pray protection over my children from all harm. That you will be with them and protect them all the days of their lives. And as I seek you more teach me your ways and give me understanding to the things that I do not understand at all.

Marriage

2011-07-22T07:40:00.003-05:00

Did any of us really know what we were getting into when we got married? I know we all had our own thoughts, ideas, visions, stories, etc about marriage. We all heard about the ups and downs, the good and bad, and of course know the whole speech that the preacher read...for better, worse, sickness, health, etc, etc, etc.

There is a saying that goes, "Babies change everything!" I believe the saying is true for marriage as well. "Marriage changes everything!"

Our main view of marriage is that of our parents, guardian, or whomever raised us. It is from our upbringing that we learn really how to act or react in every situation in life; either good or bad. It is how we learn to treat our spouse in our marriage. But no matter how we were raised and what good or bad examples we saw, we are the ones responsible for the decisions/actions that we make in our own lives.

Jennifer and I had two different kinds of upbringing. I come from a family of divorce and Jennifer and her parents will be celebrating their 37th anniversary this year. Both of our upbringing has taught us many things in our own marriage and reminds us E-V-E-R-Y-D-A-Y that the two of us could not love, laugh, cry, or live together if it wasn't for the love of Jesus that we both have in our hearts and the commitment we made to Him and each other 5 years ago today...July 22, 2006!

Happy Anniversary Baby! I do love you more today than 5 years ago. You truly are what God had for me and I am go grateful that he brought you into my life. Through all of our ups and downs, ins and outs, and 2 boys later, years you are still the one that I love lying down next to at night and putting my hand on you while you sleep just to let you know that I am there and loving that you are there for me.

The song that was sung at our wedding, where you walked down the isle to, is still one of my favorites and each time I hear it my heart and mind is flooded with thoughts of our wedding day! I love you Baby!

Shabby Chic

2011-07-20T13:59:00.003-05:00

I have a confession to make:

I am a Guy and I love to decorate!

There, I said it!

With that said, one of my favorite kind of styles is Shabby Chic. I love French Country too. I have seldom decorated using the style though. You will see in this pic a little piece of Shabby Chic where I painted a set of shutters and made them look a little distressed looking:

Doing that is just the begining. I am currently working on a project that, even if you don't love it, I will. Since Jennifer and I got married we have not had a headboard for our bed and really haven't had the need for one until we moved into our new house. So, stay tuned for pics of our new headboard. And just a side note...this Friday we will be celebrating our 5 year Anniversary!

After I finish with the headboard I have a few other pieces of furniture that I will redo. And I have an idea for our foyer and for our bathroom. I know, I know, I am a glutten for punishment. As if I don't have enough to keep me busy I add more stuff to my to-do list. Jennifer has never had to give me a "honey-do" list. I make my own!

So...who's ready to see the new headboard? Stay tuned...

It's the new internet Craz!

2011-07-13T14:53:00.003-05:00

If you fall while going up the stairs...just Plank with it!

Enjoy more people Planking at:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Kingwood-Plankers/135693973179511

A Wiggly Good Time!

2011-07-13T12:20:00.004-05:00

My little Corbster(Corban) is growing up so fast. I would be lying if I told you that I didn't just get misty-eyed while thinking about just how fast. It's just that time really does seem to go by faster when you have kids and it is so hard to try to slow down and capture every single moment of each and every day. But thank goodness, with the help of cameras, we can capture as many as we want to.

Corban L-O-V-E-S the Wiggles! LOVE may even be an understatement. Either way, he loves them and their tour this year lead them to Atlanta, GA. So we bought tickets and waited for the day to arrive; which was yesterday 07-12-11.

Here are just a few pics; trust me there were MANY more taken:

During the event Corban sat in either my or Jennifer's lap. He didn't get up and dance around during the show like he does when he is at home. The looks on his face throughout showed that he was enjoying it though.

Jennifer and I are very selective on what we let our boys watch and what things we buy our boys. We are not ones to spoil our children. Since we are selective we were more than happy to Make Corban's Day with a trip to see The Wiggles LIVE!!! And I also want to say that I am blessed to work for a company that understands that Family comes before the Job so I had no worry about not being at work yesterday.

Count your many Blessings...

2011-07-05T09:45:00.002-05:00

...name them one by one!

Can you do it? Can you count ALL the Blessings that God has given to you? Can you count ALL the times that He has provided for you, cared for you, kept you from harms way; knowingly and unknowingly?!

There is NO WAY that you can count EVERYTHING that God has done for you because all that He has done outnumbers the grains of sand! Yup, He's done that much!

We are blessed beyond measure! Remember that as you go through your day.

Sick Babies

2011-06-29T14:27:00.002-05:00

The boys have been fighting sickness lately. Corban is just congested again but Asher has been fighting some kind of harder fever-virus that ranges from highs up to 101.5 and causes congestion and diarrhea. It is going on 1 1/2 weeks today and he has been to the doctor twice. All they tell us to do is keep him on tylenol and motrin and keep him hydrated. Thanks for that little nugget of information at $40.00 each visit! I'm glad you got "Dr." in front of your name. I would have never figured that one out.

Asher goes next Tuesday for his 9 month check up. I really hope he is better before then.

I hate it when the boys are sick. I do not understand why babies/kids get sick. Or not why they get sick but honestly, "why does God allow them to get sick?" If they are babies they can't tell you that they are sick and it is just pitiful when they are so little and you see them hurting and can't do anything for them. It breaks my heart. It frustrates me too because I just don't think they should get sick.

Father, please heal Asher and Corban from their sickness in Jesus' name, amen.

I know it is just a virus, cold, fever, etc and I know there are other parents who have children with far more worse medical conditions and it really hurts me to see them too. So I know I have a lot to be thankful for since my boys sickness is so minor compared to others, but it doesn't mean I have to like it.

When I Cry

2011-06-23T14:18:00.001-05:00

Prayer Warriors UNITE!

2011-06-22T07:33:00.003-05:00

I am not going to give the real name of my friend that needs to be covered in prayer right now and for months to come. I will call my friend Pat! God knows what the situation is and I need each of you prayer warriors to join in unity with me that God will show Himself to Pat. Put Pat on your daily prayer list.

Seek your hearts, allow God to speak to you on behalf of Pat! Pray without ceasing!

Certain things to pray for would be: comfort, peace, JOY, understanding and questions that Pat has to be answered by God.

Pat is a christian but satan is doing what satan does best, coming to try to kill, steal, and destroy Pat.

PRAY!

Newly Painted Dining Room

2011-05-26T11:53:00.005-05:00

To finish it off we will be getting a new light fixture and I am still thinking about putting a chair rail around the room. The kitchen and eat in area have it so...

Getting rid of the purple:

The curtains still match...which is a good thing!

Is this thing on...tap, tap, tap!

2011-05-19T14:51:00.002-05:00

So I haven't posted in a while...bite me! Okay, don't really bite me. I get enough of that from my two year old. He pokes, bites, hits, throws things at me, etc. I feel like I am being bullied. I am constantly saying, "stop it, don't do that, quit!" My Son, the bully. :-/ Okay, he's really not a bully but I do wonder sometimes.

Corban, my two year old is my smart little boy! He can count, say his ABC's, and other than the bullying mentioned above, he gives great hugs and kisses, randomly says I love you, which even to a Dad, melts your heart. While saying the blessing over our food he is quick to get to the Amen part because he knows he can eat after that. He is my Son, what can I say!

Corban is also my helper. Most of the time I reluctantly let him help me do something just because I know how much he loves to help; even though I know it will involve me having to clean up or correct even a bigger mess than what was already there.

Your Children teach you things and my Son Corban is teaching me Patience. He is full of love and gives love freely but as already mentioned, he is my Son so of course there is patience that is needed to deal with me...I mean him. ;-)

Now my second Son, Asher! He is now 8 months old. The boy wakes up with a smile and goes to sleep with a smile. He loves his big brother, even after his brother has knocked him in the head to the point that Jennifer had to call the nurse. Asher is our more quiet one, unless he's hungry. (look-a-there, another son of mine that loves food!)

Asher is a happy baby. He is and has been our sleeper from the time he was born. Yes, he has a few nights here and there but nothing like the way Corban kept us up. He is about to start crawling which is a little sad for me because it just means he is growing up so fast. But don't worry, I'm not so sad that I change my mind about only having two. Two is it!

Since he's only 8 months old, I don't really know what Asher is teaching me. Time will tell.

Moving on...I got the pool open and ready this past week. I am finding out quickly that having a pool is work...but work that is well worth it. I know we will be enjoying it almost everyday and I will be enjoying those evening swims.

I started painting the dining room. Once done we will get a new light fixture and then I will continue on completing one room at a time; updating this and that, painting here and there.

We've meet the neighbors behind us that are our age. They are awesome people and we have already had them over for game night last friday, along with other awesome friends, and we will be getting together for bbqs and swims all summer. They have a daughter that is 5 that I know Corban will love to play with; he likes those older girls and they like bossing him around. Get use to it Son! :o

This past May 1st I celebrated 11 years here at work. I know, WOW! I was 19 1/2 when I started. Who knows, maybe I will see another 11 years!?! Some have been here for 20plus years! What can I say...it's an awesome company! It's family!

Jennifer is still at her current position. We are praying for her a new job that she has applied for. She really wants it and I want it for her. She would be awesome at it! She's the best!

Father, Thank you for my lovely wife and for my two beautiful sons. Thank you for giving to me exactly what you knew I needed. Thank you for letting them teach me things that I would have never learned. Thank you for blessing me with all 3 of them even when I feel that I don't deserve any of it.

Singing

2011-04-13T07:56:00.003-05:00

Singing...it's something I have always done.

I cannot remember a time when I have not been involved in a choir, praise team, chorus group, etc. I even attended Jeff State Community College on a Singers Scholarship. I do not claim to be the BEST singer in the world but I can "carry a tune in a bucket" and love to harmonize in songs. I will even tell you that I know I am better at doing harmony songs than I am a soloist.

When we started attending the church we are at last October I knew it was the place for us to be. Of course, Jennifer knew it was were we were suppose to be years back but that is another story about my stubbornness. It was the place for us because number one: the True word of God is preached from the pulpit. Number two: because it has the classes Jennifer and I need, and number three: because it has what our children need.

One of the most exciting things for me though was it had a choir and praise team. My passion is singing and they had a lot to offer. I joined the choir, filled out the form of where I would like to be used(i.e. choir, praise team) and started enjoying what I know is my calling. I really feel that I was working toward joining the praise team but some changes happened.

The Minister of Music Pastor announced that he and his family was leaving. It was all on good terms and they are missed greatly. Because of them leaving, changes were made to the current music ministry.

The Lead Pastor is not in a hurry to hire another music minister. The details is too much to go into here but I and everyone else understands why and we are excited about the future and the next person that will take over, whenever that will be. In the meantime though, they have dismissed the choir and only kept the Morning Praise Team which means that I am no longer singing because I had not been put on the team yet.

So...here I sit, currently at my computer typing this, but sitting in the congregation on Sundays wishing that I were up on stage helping to lead worship. I have contacted the "fill-in pastor" that is leading worship until a replacement is found. I let him know the desires of my heart and that I am readily available when he needs another tenor/alto voice. He said thanks for letting him know. Who knows, we will see. And to let you know, the reason why the fill-in pastor can't continue on with the choir, etc is because he has other obligations on wednesday nights and sunday nights so therefore having choir practice would be rather hard to juggle.

To be honest though, my heart hurts from it all. It's only been two weeks since no choir and I already miss it terribly. It might even be the new year before they find a new music pastor.

Maybe there is something I am suppose to be learing during this time? I know we are not leaving this church. Like I have already stated, "this is where we are suppose to be." I just feel lost right now.

Follow link to my Wife's blog to see current update of Corban at 2 years!

2011-03-23T08:29:00.003-05:00

http://jenbsnyder.blogspot.com/2011/03/two.html

PRAY

2011-02-16T14:56:00.003-06:00

That's what God wants us to do...PRAY! Ephesians 6:18 tells us to Pray! In EVERYTHING! Make your requests, suplications, thankfulness, etc known to God. There is power in pray! Read this quote:

"God shapes the world by prayer. The more prayer there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces of God against evil" … (E.M. Bounds)

God is showing up in our Life Groups on Sunday mornings and showing up in our home! Prayer to God, the daily conversation you have with Him through prayer, brings you closer to Him and into the Plans that He has for you!

So...Pray! And watch God "Do His Thing!"

Moving on...We have a certain little boy who will be turning 2 this Sunday. I cannot believe he is turning 2 already. He l-o-v-e-s the Wiggles. So we will be having a Wiggles birthday party on Saturday!

Corban is turning into such a big boy. Next week I will post some pictures of the Party! I am glad the weather is going to be gorgeous so we can move the Party outside. He is getting a Bounce House as his present from us so it will be great to have that outside instead of the garage.

Until again!

Reading a book...

2011-02-10T09:12:00.003-06:00

...or Getting your Book read!

If the first chapter of a book has not caught captured my undivided attention then chances are I will not finish reading it. It's not to say that it's not a good book, just not the book for me.

But reading a book and "Getting your book read" are two different things. And no, I am not referring to a book that you have written. I am speaking of the daily "living out life" book. All the experiences you go through. Why you do what you do and why you act like you act.

All I can say is there are a lot of reasons (influences) that we have had in our lives that is the result of how we respond to things. But know this one thing, even if the influences came from your Parents, they are not always the right influence. That doesn't mean that your Parents didn't have your best interest at heart, they too, just didn't know better either because it was what they saw.

E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G we face in life MUST be taken before our Father in heaven. E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-G MUST be sifted and weighed. We MUST start asking, "why do I do this or that a certain way, etc? I can 100% say that if we do this we will find that some changes have to be made and who knows, some spiritial strong holds will be broken as well.

We are to become more like Christ each day! Those of us, who have been saved for many years, and are still drinking the "spirital milk" should be "eating meat!" So, get off the tit (jennifer's favorite word! :o) and start seeking hard after God. For the devil is like a roaring lion, roaming around seeking whom he may devour. Put on the armor of God face each new day ready to WIN this battle and destroy every foot-hold the devil may already have in your life and prevent him from forming any more foot-holds.

As an old song goes:

Shut the door, keep out the devil
Shut the door, keep the devil in the night
Shut the door, keep out the devil
Light a candle, everythings alright

Whirlwind

2011-02-07T15:07:00.002-06:00

They say that when you have kids time goes by faster. Well..."THEY" are correct! I wake up on Monday morning and wonder how in the heck is it Friday afternoon already; and all this is happening before our boys are even out of diapers yet. Oh My!

Everything is as good in the hood as it can get I guess. We had a few days of sickness pass through the house but I think everyone is getting over it.

We are L-O-V-I-N-G our Church. I have to wonder to myself sometimes why I resisted this church for the past couple of years but I know we are were we are suppose to be. And to admit that I was wrong would be to admit that the Bride was right and, well, we are not going there. :o

God is showing me a lot of things and to put it mildly...My book has been read a few times. It is all for the good though. It's that whole pruning and breaking off the dead. It hurts but it is for my good!

I've started a list of things to do in our house. Little updates here and there and saving up for major ones like a new roof and new windows.

We are getting ready for Corban's 2 year birthday party. I wish you could see him! He is so darn cute and boy does he have an attitude; which he gets from his mom. I know one thing for sure, he knows what he wants and doesn't want and isn't afraid to let you know! Don't worry though, I am being the Godly Father I should be and taking out the belt and wearing that backside out, ALL in the name of Jesus of course and telling him that, "this hurts me more than it hurts you." You know, the things our parents told us as we were getting a beating. Okay, okay, he's not getting beatings...yet anyway. But he is just like me and well, enough said. Just keep Jennifer and Asher in your prayers! :)

Asher will be 5 months on the 17th. He is the total opposite of Corban and will be as tall as Jennifers Dad...aka...Coach. Asher is nothing but smiles all the time and loves to fall asleep on his daddy. Which I don't mind because that actually allows me to have some down time.

We are holding off on purchasing a new vehicle. It is just so darn hard to get another car, with a car note, when the two vehicles you have are paid for.

So, there you have it, Bombadays it in a nutshell!

Have a great evening!

Reminded of a great song this morning...

2011-01-26T07:22:00.002-06:00

There is NO greater place than in the presence of God!

The more I seek you
The more I find you
The more I find you
The more I love you

I want to sit at your feet
Drink from the cup in your hand
Lay back against you and breath
Feel your heart beat
This love is so deep
It's more than I can stand
I melt in your peace
It's overwhelming

Getting mad at God

2011-01-18T04:39:00.002-06:00

That's exactly what I did yesterday. I got mad at God! The whole time I was screaming at Him about recent events it was like I was watching myself in 3rd person and all the while not being able to stop myself.

As crazy as it is going to sound, I was upset about spending money on taking my Son to the doctor. Let me say here that I will put my children before myself and get them whatever medical help they need, even medicine for a double sinus infection.

The part I got mad over was the fact that we have spent SO MUCH money these past couple of weeks getting the cars fixed, yup, carS! All this after we moved in September, had a baby, and all the financial expenses that go along with that. So adding another $40.00 copay and prescription cost to that just put me over the edge. And we have to take Asher to the doctor tomorrow for his 4 month checkup; another $40.00 copay. I am just being real here people! It seems lately that the end of the money is getting here before the end of the month. :/

I do not put money above God, but the question I ask myself is why then did/do I react the way I do and be concerned about money, or the lack there of?

I know, even when I get mad and have to ask for forgiveness and thank God that he didn't strike me dead during my "fit throwing", that God is taking care of us. Always has and always will! But lately it just seems that enough is not enough. And yet as I type this I know that I am blessed beyond my greatest imagination.

I am not asking for sympathy from any of you. I just wanted to be real with you! Hey, I can have a bad day too.

The "Gut" feeling

2011-01-13T15:16:00.003-06:00

I think we can all try to ignore that "gut" feeling but I think, if you are a Christian, that "gut" feeling is the Holy Spirit telling you which direction to go and to do this or not to do that. Oh how many times I have ignored that "gut" feeling!

My post from yesterday said, "the truck has GOT to go!" The only thing is though...that truck is paid for and the transmission that was just put in it has a 90 day warrenty so if there are little quirks with it, atleast I have 90 days and if there are still problems, they will put another one in it at no cost. Of course I am hoping that NOTHING else happens to the truck.

We currently have the chance to purchase another vehicle but it will come with a car note, atleast for 3 years. I am not ready for another car note...not even for 3 years.

So today I have been driving the "chance to purchase" vehicle and the whole time, in the back of my mind, I keep hearing, "not now! Why are you really wanting this vehicle?" Of course the reason I want this vehicle is because I am tired of things happening to my current and me wondering what's going to happen next!

So, what is my decision you ask?...I will be returning the "chance to purchase" vehicle today and getting my explorer back. And though it has had its share of problems it is paid for, still running, thanks to another engine almost 4 years ago and another transmission 2 weeks ago, and it still looks nice; especially when it is all washed and detailed!

With this decision, that "gut" feeling has lifted. Yes, I would like another vehicle but not now so I am expecting the explorer to run and run forever!

Remember to listen to the gut feeling. And also remember that God gave you a brain. Yes, we are to pray about things but common sense is, well, common sense!

The Truck...

2011-01-12T15:24:00.003-06:00

...has GOT to GO!!!

I had to take it to the shop again this morning. Even though it did not do for them what it did for me I can't take any more chances on it.

Lord, I pray that you bring the right vehicle for us. You know our finances and you know the future so I ask that You Will be done! In Jesus Name, Amen!

Staying Home...

2011-01-11T07:22:00.003-06:00

I enjoy getting a snow day, or ice day as it was yesterday. To be able to get up, on a day that you normally would be heading out the door to work, and lay around in your bed clothes all day with your hair unfixed does something good for the body.

Now, I love my two Sons but a snow day does change things when you have children; they are not as relaxing as they use to be, but still fun nonetheless! I always tease that if Jennifer would get a job that pays mega bucks I would stay home and be Mr. Mom! I am not so sure of it after yesterday. I'm not complaining, I'm just trying to give you some humor.

We might have had ice and snow outside but it looks like a tornado went through the inside of our house all thanks to a 22 month old being inside all day long! You will be proud of me though...I am slowly letting "some" of my OCD go and therefore my house still looks like a tornado went through it. (I am sure I will have to pick it up by this evening!) Hey, I said, I was letting "some" of my OCD go...not all!

I may have mentioned this already but I really feel that God is going to do some HUGE things in 2011. I feel it for our family and I sense it for others as well. One thing I know God keeps reminding me of is, "Do not worry! I am in control! Trust in Me!" Yes, He has always told us to do these things but we are stubborn humans and think for some reason that we can do a much better job than He so we try to handle it ourselves. Tisk, tisk, tisk! Shame on us...shame on Me!

So people...today is 1/11/11. Not sure if all ones means something spiritual or not but I would like to say that it is a reminder that we are only promised this day so do not worry or fret about tomorrow, for you have not been promised tomorrow! THIS is the day the Lord has made so let us REJOICE and be glad in it!

Have a blessed Tuesday Blogger World! I am back at work and ready to see what God has in store. I thank you Father for the job that you have blessed me with. I thank you that, come May 1st, I will be here 11 years! Father, I ask that you continue to bless me above and beyond anything I can think or imagine! Continue to change my heart oh God and renew a right spirit within me.

Nobody Greater

2011-01-07T06:58:00.000-06:00

What a way to start off the morning! "Lord, I thank you that there is NOBODAY GREATER! I thank you Father for your forgiveness for the times that I thought that You and You alone were not enough in my life to be the Source of my strength; when I relied on others instead of you! Father, I thank you for the peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding. Lord continue to teach me to stand in your peace in the good times and bad times! Nobody Greater than you! I love you Lord!" Enjoy the song.

The truth hurts...but the truth will set you free!

2011-01-06T12:10:00.003-06:00

I came across the below info on the internet. Since I am on a "leave of absence" from Facebook I thought it to be interesting.

Seven questions:

1. Do you check your Facebook status in the morning before checking in with God?

2. Are you disappointed when people don’t respond to your posts?

3. Do you waste too much time on Facebook?

4. Do you use Facebook to avoid real life contact?

5. Do you have intimate conversations with the opposite sex under the guise of counseling?

6. Do you use Facebook to complain about life or people?

7. Are you always truthful and loving in the things you post?

To be truthful...numbers 1,3,6 really hit home with me; which only goes to show that a time away from FB is the best thing for my life right now.

Below are some scriptures that we all need to be reminded of:

Seven Scriptures to apply to our lives:

1. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

2. “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

3. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (I corinthians 10:31).

4. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3).

5. “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe” (Philippians 2:14-15).

6. “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut” (Proverbs 10:19, NLT). “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19)

7. “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning” (Proverbs 9:8-9).

You better keep running...

2011-01-05T14:16:00.002-06:00

...until I decide to get rid of you!

On Christmas Eve around noon I got into the Explorer, 04 model, and as I was backing out of the driveway the "service engine soon" light came on and a few seconds later the "over drive off" light started flashing. Never a good sign for any light to come on.

All I kept thinking was the last time the "service engine soon" light came on my engine blew up. Actually the truck started making a loud noise and shaking and then went dead and that's when the light came on. THANKS FOR THE WARNING! That happened around Oct. 2007. We bought the Explorer used around Oct. of 06 so I was NOT happy at all that the engine blew a year later. No warning...no nothing! Well, we still owed money on it so I had to get the engine replaced; and I do not believe in being upside down on a car loan so I refused to take what little amount they wanted to offer to me as is and purchase another vehicle.

Everything had been going fine up until Christmas Eve. After those lights came on the truck started to shift rough and slip. Yup, you guessed it, the transmission.

A few days later, the inspection from the mechanic confirmed that it was the transmission and told me what the cost would be. After talking to the Bride about our options we decided that putting a used transmission in would be our best route. This time, the truck is paid for and we are enjoying NOT having a car payment and we are really NOT ready to get another car loan.

Well, the truck is finally ready to be picked up this afternoon. I know the mechanic that did the work so I know he did a great job. He said that it drove great so I am anxiously waiting to go pick it up. All I ask now is that the truck keeps running until I decide to get rid of it. I really DO NOT want anything else to go wrong with the explorer.

Through everything though I will say that I will NEVER buy another explorer. I know mechanical things can happen to any car and sometimes automakers have a bad year on certain models but enough is enough. These high dollar repairs along with the normal repairs add up.

So keep running Explorer...you 2004 explorer with a 2005 transmission and a 2006 engine. I'm starting to think about the old Jonny Cash Song, "One Piece At A Time"

Living w/o Facebook

2011-01-04T15:02:00.002-06:00

I decided Sunday that I would be taking a Leave of Absence from facebook for a while. The only thing that I would be doing is responding to FB messages that appear in my email or sending a FB message to someone if I do not have their email.

So far, so good! It had become very addicting and I would find myself checking on it numerous times throughout the day. Since I have a computer at my desk I would leave it minimized at the bottom of the screen and refresh the screen off and on just to see the latest who, what, when, where, how, why, etc. As if me knowing made a difference. Don't get me wrong, I like keeping up with friends but again, it had turn into an addiction.

It has been nice these past couple of days to not HAVE to know WHAT is going on. With that said, even now I want to sign-in and see what is going on and what I have missed. (addiction)

Everyone of "my friends" lives on FB will continue on whether I know about it or not. And if you haven't noticed, I have wrote on my blog 3 or 4 times thus far in the new year. Go Me! :)

Who knows how long I will be off of FB? I didn't give myself a certain time. I will return when/if I return. I guess the good thing is that each of you still get to hear from me through my Blog. It's like you are the "Chosen Ones!" :)

Have a great evening!

GREAT is Thy Faithfulness!

2011-01-04T07:15:00.002-06:00

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Family pics

2011-01-03T07:10:00.002-06:00

To see pics of our family please go to my Brides blog. She worked hard this weekend to post L-O-T-S of pics so go see them and enjoy! Copy the link below into your search-engine. :)

http://jenbsnyder.blogspot.com/

2011

2011-01-02T06:22:00.002-06:00

ALREADY! It's 2011 already! In 1998 I graduated high school. In August of 98 I moved to Birmingham. In 1999 I started Jeff State Community College. My last semester I started working at my current employment. Yup...May 1st will be 11 years that I have been there.

I never thought that 11 years later I would say that I was still at the same company. Now, you can think what you like but it is a great company and if you show up, do your job, and prove to them that you have the companies best interest in mind then you will be treated right. Of course all of us would love to be making millions but I would have to say that I make pretty good and hoping that there is always MORE money to come! ;-) We have to get paid right! 11 years later they keep paying me so they either like me or can't get rid of me, but since they keep paying me I am going to keep showing up! And you can't beat the hours...7am-3:30pm.

Moving on...Did you make any new years resolutions for 2011? I know we all have the "normal" resolutions, trust me, I could stand to loose weight, but what about deeper resolutions? Resolutions of the heart! How about a Change of Heart! Have you allowed this Sin filled World to consume you in some of its beliefs? Do you find yourself being more negative than positive? Have you found yourself agreeing to things that you know are not right but the reason why you agree is because you can't see it getting any better?

A great resolution to make is the one that is in God's word, "Create in me a clean heart of God and renew a right spirit within me." Folks, we have to WAKE-UP! The devil is prowling around like a lion seeking whom he may devour. He is looking for lukewarm Christians. The Bible says that if we are lukewarm God will spit us out of his mouth. He would rather have you cold than lukewarm because if we are a lukewarm Christian we are doing more harm than good to the kingdom of God. Lukewarm means that we are complacent. Have you become complacent?

I know the personal things that I MUST make as my resolutions for this year. If we watch the daily news and believe what it says I could go crazy in thinking that we are in for a financial destruction and pretty soon we all will be standing in a food line somewhere hoping to get a few cans of food and some bread.

Remember, "we are in the world, not of it!" "Our help comes from the Lord!" Gods word is clear, "I will never leave you nor forsake you!"

As for me and my house we will serve the Lord! I lay down the worry of this world. My God has been clear to me...I will NEVER leave you Eric nor forsake you! I will be with you ALL the days of your life. I am yours and you are mine! Do not be bothered by the things of the world or by those who hate or despise you. Remember, the world hated me first and surely if they hated me they will hate you.

This year...Be Bold, Be Strong, for the Lord thy God is with you...always and forever!

And one more thing before I go: Pray without ceasing! In everything, make your requests known to God! Allow God to answer you. It is okay to ask for prayer from other believers but I charge you to first make your request known to God. He has the BEST answer for you and his answer will not bring confusion. I dare say that when we request prayer from others regarding the issues of the heart we get more confused. Gods answer(s) will not bring confusion. Ask ANYTHING in My Name says the Lord, according to my will, and it will be done!

Happy 2011 Blogger world! I can't wait to read and hear all that God is doing in your lives this year! Take each day one at a time and cherish each moment because it is going by quickly. Pray without ceasing and in everything give praise to God! Keep your faith in God and not the cares of this world.

If you want me to!

2010-12-30T09:01:00.000-06:00

The song link at the bottom of this post says it ALL!

We will NEVER understand why we go through what we do but I know without a doubt that when we see Jesus face to face we will know that it was worth it ALL!

May we(I) NEVER forget that no matter if it is night or day in this journey in my life, that there was one dark hour that Jesus spent on earth and a bright resurection that makes this thing called life worth it all.

Worship with the song! Allow yourself to get lost in the words! Allow yourself to cry if you need to. Make this song part of your New Years Resolution! For I will never leave your nor forsake you says the Lord! I am with you ALWAYS!

I can't fix it for you

2010-12-13T14:13:00.003-06:00

A LOT has been going on in my life. SO MUCH that I didn't know it was affecting me the way it has been.

Last Monday I woke up with my right arm sore. I thought that I slept on it wrong. Tuesday and Wednesday it was no better so I thought that I had a pinched nerve. On Thursday morning I saw blisters on my arm which, by going to the doctor on Friday, ended up being Shingles.

Shingles is brought on by stress and normally develops because your nervous system is being attacked. These past few months have been busy but it's not just with the things that I have posted about. (i.e. moving, new baby, etc.) MANY other things are going on in our lives and I guess I was trying to be "Mr. Fix it all" and it has finally taken a toll on me.

I have heard of worse cases of Shingles so I can say that mine is not as bad as others. I would not wish them on anyone because they are uncomfortable.

There is a bible verse that keeps coming to my mind since the development of these Shingles. It's the one that says,(paraphrasing) "throwing off everything that hinders and running the race that I might receive the prize (Jesus)." Things in life can run you down! People can run you down!

Praying for one another and lifting each other up in prayer is needed but we(I) must realize that I can't fix it for you.

So on that note I end with, "Father, forgive me for allowing my circumstances and the circumstances of others weigh be down to the point that it was affecting me physically. Take the cares and burdens that I have and that loved ones have and touch them and bring them into alignment with your will. Lord I know that it is not by might, nor by power, but by YOUR Spirit! I thank you for the healing that you are bringing to my body and that these Shingles will never be a factor again. In Jesus name, Amen!"

Knowing that you are Blessed!

2010-11-28T06:16:00.004-06:00

God has saved your Soul and because of that we will spend eternity in Heaven with Him. That alone should be enough to let us know how blessed we are!

A question for you: If God did nothing else for you from this point forward would you still follow Him?

God's word is clear that it is, "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord!" God does not have to do signs, wonders, and miracles for you. He did the one thing that mattered the most and the thing that saved your soul when he sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for your sins.

Don't be bothered by the things you don't have in life. If you are reading this you already have more than others have. We truly are Blessed! Don't set your sights on what "man" calls blessed but on what God calls blessed! It is BLESSED to be called a child of God! "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God!"

So, enjoy your Blessed day!

Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T15:15:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Living in the past...

2010-11-16T07:10:00.002-06:00

...is NOT a good thing! Quit looking back and pondering on the things of the should've, could've, would've, etc. You are holding yourself back from the Present! The here and now that God has for you! You will NEVER enjoy your life if you live with regrets!

To be a little cheesy, each new day is a gift...that is why it is call the PRESENT! The here and now!

So, what are the things that keep you bound? What is it that causes you to greive or mourn the past. The Bible is clear when it says that, "weaping may endure for the night BUT, oh how I love the word BUT, but JOY comes in the morning! As the rain that we have had recently has washed away all the grit and grime from the roads so has the blood of Jesus washed you clean! NOTHING can seperate you from the Love of God!

Proclaim VICTORY today! Show, don't just tell, the devil that "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH; you, devil, can go back to hell where you belong! No more will you rob me of happieness, joy, peace, prosperity(of all kinds). Release any hold that you think you have on me or my family and run, flee to the flock of pigs that will take you off the cliff."

Now that you have taken the shackles off your feet...DANCE! Dance like David! Don't worry about who is watching and what they will think! It is time for us, the Church, to arise and take back what is rightfully ours! Yes, you will be hated; remember that Jesus was also hated! But no matter what people show to you, you show them love! Love is the greatest weapon we have to win others to Christ!

Let this be your song today: "It's a new season! It's a new day! Fresh anointing coming my way! It's a season of power and prosperity! It's a new season and it's coming to me!"

Sometimes...

2010-11-08T09:09:00.004-06:00

...you have to let people go through things and even though you may have the means to help them, you will only hurt them more by doing so.

You may think that this is contrary to what the Bible says but let me remind you of two verses. They are in different places in the bible but are both true. I am paraphrasing: 1)If you see a brother in need and have what they need but do not help them, shame on you. 2)Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach him how to fish and he will eat for a life time.

So, back to what I said at the beginning, "Sometimes you have to let people go through things and even though you may have the means to help them, you will only hurt them more by doing so."

So, where do you draw the line? Here is what I think:

You, nor I, are peoples Saviour. If we continually bail them out of situations, if we are their crutch in everything, then they will never learn to run, lean on, and trust the true Saviour Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of ALL!

We as humans need to vent, release, and talk about stuff to others. Letting it all out to another is fine but once you have listened to what they needed to vent, release, etc, leave it there and do not take it upon yourself as your problem. It is not your problem. Why add another "worry" to your life.

My personality is one that I jump into "FIX MODE!" If there is a problem I will fix it and I will work until it is fixed. Who am I though to think that my solution is better than what God Almighty can and will do for that person. If I chose to jump in there and work on their situation then I am getting in the way of what God wants to do for them and I am showing them that no matter what they can always come to me and I will fix it for them.

So, be that friend where your friend(s) can come to you and talk to you about things they are struggling with, or things they may need, just remember to listen and not feel that you have to act upon it. Encourage them to talk to God about it and lay it at His feet. If lead, pray for them right then. If it is something that you are able to assist them with go ahead, just don't feel that it is your responsibility because most of the time, things we are going through are things that will make us stronger in the end.

Remember, the title of this blog is "Sometimes". You, as a Christian, must discern what to do in each and every situation, but I do know that it is not our place to FIX anyone. In everything though, do it out of Love. Just like there is a way to say "yes" in love, there is also a way to say "no" in love.

Blogging...

2010-11-04T13:55:00.004-05:00

I haven't found the right thing to blog about lately so that is why you haven't heard from me. I don't want to use my blog like I do facebook and post the same things on both. I want to start using my blog as a way to reveal my heart and share other things so keep checking back, I will post something eventually.

One thing though...Next Wednesday is my court date to go before the judge about my speeding ticket. I think I have decided to just ask for driving school, attend a class on a saturday, pay the $120.00 and keep it off my record. The thing is though, everytime I think about the day I got pulled over, which is everyday, I feel that I should plead not quilty and tell the judge why?!?! The only thing about pleading not quilty is, if the judge does not see it your way you do not have the option of asking for driving school instead. (or atleast that is what I have been told) I really need clarity on what to do. "Dear Lord, please show me!"

Making it all work

2010-10-22T14:32:00.004-05:00

If you asked me 10 years ago if I would ever be married and have two children I probably would have laughed and said, "are you crazy or something!" "Heck no!" 11 years later though that is excatly what I am...Married, with two children, plus a dog, a mortgage, bills, a house with lots of love, and even the frustrations, and the trials of "Making it all work!"

It is not easy being a husband and a dad. There is a lot of pressure on us that we have to deal with and that we don't show to anyone, especially our wives, because hey...we are MEN and we are not suppose to show any kind of weakness or show that we are worried about this, that, or the other; especially when it involves providing for the family. We carry a lot on our shoulders and I know for me that there are things, usually financially, that I do not share with my wife because why bother her with things that I know are going to work out. God's word is clear that He will provide for us!

I know that I am blessed beyond measure and that the Lord watches my comings and goings. Even though I know this I can't help but to get weighed down with the cares of this world.

Yesterday, Pastor mentioned how we come into Gods house on Sundays, praising and worshiping Him, knowing that He is our all and all and then on Monday thru the rest of the week we are like, "lions and tigers and bears...oh my!"(my words, not his).

It is so true though! Take a look back in your past for a moment and see ALL that God has brought you through. Why do we worry for a moment that God cannot do above and beyond anything we can think or imagine!

I love Jesus with all my heart, soul, and mind and live in His grace everyday. One of my favorite songs is Alabaster Box. Enjoy the song!

Your advise is requested.

2010-10-15T12:01:00.003-05:00

On the morning of Aug. 29th I was heading to work down 1st Ave. in Alabaster, near Fox Valley got pulled over by a police officer.

There were 2 cars in front of me and I had just got finished thinking to myself that, "this truck in front of me is smoking really bad. I can't believe I am going to have to follow this all the way to the interstate in Alabaster". I had already started slowing down before I saw the cop.

Once we all saw him he started to move and did a U-turn and got behind me. I thought, "I am sure he is about to pull over this guy in front of me because his truck is smoking or he is heading back to the police station". After the police followed me for about 30 seconds he turned on his lights and pulled me over.

Once he got to my window he asked for my license and insurance, asked me if my address was correct on my license and then started to walk off. I had to stop him and ask him why I was being pulled over. He said because I was speeding.

I told him, "sir, I am not sure what the speed limit is because I haven't lived at the address on my license for even a month yet and I haven't traveled this road enough to know." The speed limit on 1st ave. is 30mph. (let me just say here that I know ignorance of the law is not an excuse...I was just stating the truth.)

Either way, he walked back to his car and came back with ticket in hand. I asked him how fast I was going. I thought he said, "29 in a 30." I said, "29 in a 30!" And he said, "no, 39 in a 30." Then he said, "didn't you see me get behind you?" I said, "yes I did that I why I didn't think I was speeding." (come on now...would I knowingly be speeding with a cop behind me!!!...of course I thought about this after I was driving to work). I asked then asked him, "how fast the truck in front of me was going and he said 38."

Well, once I got to work I looked at the ticket and he had written down that I was doing 49 in a 30, instead of the 39 that he told me I was doing.

The Price of my ticket is $160.00.

My question to you for advise is...Should I go to contest the ticket on my court date or just stand before the Judge and ask him/her to let me go to driving school so it will stay off of my record?

I feel that I have reason to contest it because of the sequence of events that morning and from the information that the office told me about the speed of the truck in front of me. And even more so since he wrote down that I was doing 49 in a 30 and the car in front of me was doing 38. If that were true then I would have smashed into the back of the truck that I was following and then we would have had an accident report on our hands, not a speeding ticket.

I truly feel that he clocked my speed while he was traveling behind me and once I started up the hill towards Thompson Road he pulled me over. It is possible that he clocked me at 49 but again...I did not know what the speed was and I sure didn't think it was 30 being the type of road it is and I would not knowingly be speeding with a cop behind me.

So...what is your advise?...contest, ask for driving school?!?

15 Random Things about me.

2010-10-14T07:34:00.003-05:00

I copied this from my friend Vals blog and thought I would compare myself to hers and inform you about the same 15 Random things about me. :) My "random things" are after the dash.(-)Enjoy:

1. I like to drink milk while eating chips...always have. - (I like drinking milk with pizza when delivered to the house)
2. I don't sit on the toilet of any place except for mine and other family member's homes. Not even friends! - (When I got to go I GOT TO GO, so I don't care where I am; I will roll the toilet lid if need be.)
3. I've been trying to kick the habit of biting my nails for 14 years now and I tend to only do it while watching a movie or t.v. show. - (I have a habit of biting the skin around my nails. I have gotten better at not doing it)
4. I frown while I sleep so I worry about wrinkle on my forehead. I don't want to have a perpetual frowny face (; - (I don't care if I get wrinkles or not. I get excited when I see a gray hair...yea baby!)
5. I think my feet are the most unattractive thing on my body and they turn blue easily due to even the slightest chill. - (I have sexy feet..really! lol)
6. I prefer to go without shoes all the time unless it is cold. - (I almost, always have something on my feet, even at home. Usually flip flops.)
7. My right hand is double jointed so my fingers are naturally crooked but my left hand is not. I was forever picked on in school due to this fact. - (One of my eyes is wider open than the other. You wouldn't notice unless I told you so...)
8. I want my floors to be spotless all the time, then and only then is my house "clean." - (sad...but true...it's an OCD thing)
9. I check the cleanliness of others based upon their floors. - (I check the cleanliness by their bathroom. But of course Val, you wouldn't do that because you don't use other people's bathroom. ha!)
10. I have an eye for details others wouldn't notice and can tell you random things about someone after seeing them. This fact drives Alex crazy because he doesn't notice anything. - (I notice details others wouldn't notice as well but it drives ME crazy that I do this. I am pretty good at remember names of people too.)
11. When I'm mad my jaw make a weird pulsing movement. This is something noticed by Alex and he laughs because he can tell when I'm mad. - (When I'm mad I tighten my jaw which can't be good for the teeth!)
12. I have a keen sense of smell and always worry about the smell of my own home...which I'm desensitized to. - (same...at times I wish I couldn't smell)
13. I am a germiphobe and must have everything clean for my kids. No licking the paci before sticking it back in my kid's mouth here! UGH! - (I consider the source of the germs and I lick the paci ALL THE TIME!)
14. I really love flowers and buy them for myself because most others do not...my grandmother shares this love. - (I like flowers but I don't by them for myself)
15. I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made by the Lord and although my body may not be what it used to be I know that God makes each and every person beautiful in his sight. Our petty human thoughts on beauty are sad and I embrace the body God has given me as I teach my daughters to do likewise. (I am who I am!)

SO TIRED

2010-10-12T13:03:00.002-05:00

-I am SO TIRED of inviting people to do things but never getting invited.
-I am SO TIRED of being the one to initiate the phone call but never getting the call initiated by someone else.
-I am SO TIRED of people not responding to messages which tells them to reply back with a response.
-I am SO TIRED of how people who say they are my friend treat me. Heck, with friends like that why would I want enemies!
-I am SO TIRED of plans being made and then at the last moment, they are broken by the other person. Which heck, I should have known they would be; this isn't the 1st, 2nd, or even the 3rd time, but yet I keep trying.(fool me once...you know the rest).
-I am SO TIRED of being used!
-I am SO TIRED of having to feel that even though these things are done time and time again I feel obligated to still put on a smile and pretend that everything is okay. If I no longer/if ever fit into the "box" that you have made then just go your way and I'll go mine.

But I think the truth has just been revealed to me. You have gone your way by your actions. It is obviously I who did not, until now, get the picture. This is good though. At least now I can quit filling SO TIRED!

Making changes...

2010-10-11T11:53:00.000-05:00

A little bit at a time.

Why keep posting?!?

2010-10-11T07:08:00.000-05:00

This, That, and the Other

2010-10-05T05:27:00.001-05:00

Life is going by so fast already. This Friday Asher will be 3 weeks old and since birth he has been sleeping great. He is really putting his brother to shame. It is 5:08 am on this Tuesday and we, Corban and I, have been up since 3am. I think it might be a long day. I am sure I should be use to the lack of sleep by now but some days are harder than others.

The house is coming together nicely. We have the boys rooms painted and I am working from room to room and getting it the way we want it. I enjoyed the pool as much as I could before the cold weather set in. I guess by this weekend I will be needing to cover it until next summer.

Here are a few pics of what's been going on for the past month...house decorating, family and friend visits, parties, bringing Asher home, etc...no particular order:

2010-10-05T05:25:00.000-05:00

2010-10-05T05:23:00.000-05:00

2010-10-05T05:20:00.000-05:00

2010-10-05T05:06:00.005-05:00

The newest addition...

2010-09-22T07:46:00.001-05:00

Asher Jackson Snyder

In my life...

2010-09-09T12:27:00.000-05:00

A friend posted on their blog about friendships coming and going into their life. I have experienced the same thing recently. It is true that some friendships are for only a season and I will admit that 99.9% of the time I hate when that season is over, but over it must be.

I have loved all my friendships and wish nothing ill on any of them that have ended. Remember, it was a season and like Summer turning to Autumn, and Autumn turning to Winter, the season has ended.

Bette Midler is one of my favorite singer/song writer/artist. I think this song sums up what I believe a lot of people are facing right now.

Hebrews

2010-08-27T10:25:00.003-05:00

Hebrews 10:25 via the Amplified Version tells us, "Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching."

I think part of my gifting is being an encourager. If I know someone is going through something I am right there telling them that they can do it, you will make it, constantly trying to keep their spirits up, etc. I can encourage and persuade others better than myself.

But isn't that how God uses us. I think the areas that we lack in is where God uses us to build others up in and in return showing us that we are MORE than conquerors. You know what I'm talking about. I know there has been a time in your life where you were talking with someone and all of a sudden it was like a light bulb went off and it seemed as though the very words you were speaking were being spoken to you and bringing clarification, confirmation, encouragement, etc.

The body of Christ NEEDS each other. As Hebrews stated, we must assemble together. Coming together shows us that we are not alone in this walk with Christ. We were never meant to carry our loads alone. When the body of Christ is together it is then we are made complete.

So, assemble together with brothers and sisters in Christ. Encourage each other, admonish, warn, and urge each other to live a closer life to Christ. Take note that the word judge was not in this passage. Don't cross the line into judging, for with the same measure that you use to judge, God will judge you.

Have a blessed weekend Blogger world. Count your MANY blessings and name them one by one! Come and dine at the Masters table, come and dine! What a friend we have in Jesus...all our sins and griefs to bear, what a privilege to carry, EVERYTHING to God in prayer; Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!

Making a check list...and checking it twice.

2010-08-26T14:10:00.003-05:00

Since we are buying a NEW(used) house there are things that need to be updated and fixed.

Updating the fixtures, fans, flooring, etc. are things that can be done as money permits. Things that will be done within a day or two of moving in are the following:

-Of course unpack and take a dip in the pool
-Get ALL door locks re-keyed (this is cheaper than replacing all locks)
-Replace broken water regulator (controls pressure coming into the house)
-Purchase a damper clip for the fireplace
-Fix second garage door that does not open(it isn't aligned correctly)
-Paint boys rooms and bathroom and get them decorated to the brides liking
-Pool fencing(big ticket item but well worth it of course)

The painting of all other rooms will be done as time permits as well as pressure washing the decks and replacing any boards on the deck or yard fencing that needs to be replaced.

I can't wait to get in and decorate. I have the position of the livingroom furniture all laid out in my head as well as most of the other rooms. I am "trying" to refrain from purchasing any furniture until we move in because I need to see what we have, what we can get rid of, and what we might need/want. I did purchase a chair from a friend the other day but I knew I wanted it for a certain area. I have tables and other stuff in the attic and storage that have been put away for a year or more. I am anxious to see all that I forgot we had.

I have an idea for a headboard for the master bedroom. It's going to be good! Bedroom furniture is so OVERLY priced and I refuse to pay what they are asking, especially when I can do just as good or better.

I will do my best to remember to take before and after pics of everything. Just remember that during all this we will also be welcoming into the world Asher Jackson Snyder. Oh how ready I am to meet him! He has been one active little man inside of his Mommy; more so than Corban.

Until again...

A L-O-N-G month...and A L-O-N-G post; grab a cup of coffee!

2010-08-26T04:54:00.004-05:00

We have almost reached the end of the month. Our closing for our new house is set for 10:00am on Tuesday. We do our final walk-thru on Monday.

Before that happens though I will be heading up to DuckTown, TN to go White Water Rafting. This is a trip away with the guys before baby Asher arrives, which is only a few weeks away. It may seem to some that this is not the best time to take a getaway trip but I assure you that this was planned before the sell of our current home and the purchase of our new home. I will also assure you that the house is as packed up as it can get. There are the last minute things to pack but other than that, everything will be stacked in the dining room by Sunday afternoon waiting for me to load it into the moving truck on Monday.

With all that has been going on, we added to the list numerous, and still going, visits to the ICU at the hospital. Last Friday my brother was in a really bad car accident driving home from work. He was banged up pretty bad and has already gone through surgery a couple of times. For all that he has been through he is doing really great. Today they should move him into his own room. The main reason he has been kept in ICU was to watch his breathing. It has been irregular since he came in but the nurse said last night that he was doing great. They are watching his left leg and pelvis to besure it doesn't pop out of joint. He has a broken ankle on his right leg, a broken rist on his left hand and just some brusing all over the place. He did get out of bed yesterday to do some walking.

I know he is ready to get his own room and to see his 3 little kids who are missing their daddy like crazy but since you have to be over the age of 12 to enter into the ICU they have not been able to see him. God was watching over him and still is.

To continue on: My mother moves into our house next week when we move out. Yes, if you do not know already, it is my Mother who bought our house. Her and my stepdad are in the process of a divorce. She did not want to continue to live in the house they were in and she wanted to start the "Fresh Start" somewhere else. Keep both of my parents in your prayers. Divorce is a hard thing for anybody, no matter what the circumstances, and no matter which person wants the divorce there is still pain that has to be dealt with and worked through. 21 years is a long time.

I will let you know though I can see God at work in both of their lives. My dad needed a wake up call and God is giving him one. My dad has told me things this past month that show me that God is dealing with him and the provisions for both of them this past month is truly amazing.

Well, I am sure you have reached the bottom of your cup of coffee, or if you are my wife, the bottom of the can of Dr. Pepper, so I will let you go.

1st Hair cut!

2010-08-20T11:51:00.004-05:00

Today, Corban is 18 months old. He had his first haircut on Wednesday. He did so good. We just knew that we were going to have to tie him down but nope. He is growing up so fast! In 4 more weeks his brother Asher will make an appearance. Life in the fast lane! Love every minute of it because when it's gone...it's gone!

Figuring it all out

2010-08-18T04:39:00.002-05:00

It is 4:40am on Wednesday morning and here I am posting on my blog with the sounds of the Wiggles dvd playing in the back ground and Corban 1/2 awake 1/2 asleep on the couch. He has woken up a few times last night. I guess something he ate at dinner last night upset his stomach a little. At his age, everything is trial and error; until he can tell us what bothers him anyway. Or maybe, he justed wanted to be with his Daddy. ;)

Life is moving right along. The end of the month, which is our closing date, seems so far away but I know it's just because we are really excited about getting moved in so we can paint the boys rooms and get them both ready and then prepare for Asher to get here.

One thing I was thinking when I was up and down with Corban this morning was the fact that I will have to go up and down stairs to get his milk, etc. The more I think about it the more I think we are going to have to find a solution to that. (i.e. keeping paci's in their bathroom, maybe a small fridge to keep sippy cups with milk?) I am not complaining about the stairs. I LOVE the space that the new house is giving us and I love the fact that the bedrooms are on a different level from the kitchen, etc.

I've got LOTS of ideas about decorating and can't wait to start. Knowing me, I am sure I will be doing stuff in the weee hours of the morning while we are up with Asher. Might as well make good use of my time!

Jennifer has everything planned out in her mind of what she wants done with the boys rooms. Corban will have a fire truck theme. He already has his big boy bed which he will soom be sleeping in. We just haven't set it up yet because we were wanting to move first. Jennifer is looking for some other fire truck thWeme stuff to put in the room. Asher's room is going to be jungle theme with monkeys and frogs. Both of the rooms will be their own shade of blue.

As already mentioned in previous posts, the rest of the house can wait until we get to it. Nothing has to be done right away. One thing I do know though is that the seller better be keeping that pool clean. I will want to be going swimming as soon as we move in. :)

Living out of boxes

2010-08-16T15:24:00.003-05:00

We have packed up just about everything we can live without for a couple more weeks and have realized that we have packed some things that we still need but are not going to go digging for them. Jennifer had to buy a spatula yesterday because I packed the many other ones we have.

The mortgage company is completely done with everything but we have to wait until the 31st because we are in a signed contract and plus it's giving the seller time to move into an apartment.

The end of the month will get here before we know it but in the mean time we will keep packing and living our every day to day.

Like a kid...

2010-08-12T15:15:00.002-05:00

...in a candy store!

I can't wait to actually move into our new house. We close on the 31st and will be spending our 1st night there as well. I know there will be LOTS of stuff that need to be done but I can't wait.

Ohe well, wait I must. We have 19 more days until then. Time is going by fast enough so I really don't want to rush it.

The Glory of God...it's ALWAYS there!

2010-08-10T15:18:00.003-05:00

My Facebook status from yesterday went something like: "Even when we are going through a storm we are still MORE blessed than we know." While this is so true, it is also so hard to see while in the storm. God is GREAT and GREATLY to be praised!

If there is one thing He is showing me during this time is that no matter what, I should ALWAYS give Him thanks and not just when the going is going good!

I feel so OVERLY blessed right now and have become humbled at all that God is giving to me and my family. I hope that none of you think that I am boasting in anyway about the new house and all the answered prayer requests that came along with it.

I want to remind you that we had our house on the market for almost a year and ended up selling it for what we paid for it when we purchased it 4 years ago. I had to come to terms with the fact that, "as long as I could sell it for what I owed then we would be fine." Thank the Lord that we were able to walk away with a little money for the new house.

The new house answers SO MANY prayers. I love to entertain and fellowship with people and this house will allow us to do it. This is not just our house but Gods house because His word says, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is..." "Where 2 or 3 are gathered in My name, there I will be!" "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!"

Jennifer has a heart for Youth and I know that the extra bedroom and space that the house offers will come in handy one day. Even though Asher, who will be here in 6wks, is our last child, we have discussed about boarding a youth type person if there was ever a need. Sort of like a Masters Commission student or someone like that. It will be a few years before we chose to do that but we must get settled in the new house and get our two boys settled in as well.

So remember, as I have been reminded, to always give God the praise no matter what the circumstance!

Our New Home!

2010-08-05T14:11:00.004-05:00

Below are pics of our soon to be new home. These are pics I took yesterday, real quick, while I was there with the inspector. We closed on our current home today and are still set to close on this one by the 26th. I am really hoping the closing date can be moved up a week. I can't express enough of how Blessed we really feel.

Accepted!

2010-08-03T15:21:00.003-05:00

In life I think we all strive to be Accepted in some shape, form, or fashion. The best kind of acceptance is the acceptance that Jesus gives to us. His word says, "Come just as you are!" Thank you Lord for accepting us. We cannot change ourselves; it is Christ that changes us.

The next best kind of acceptance is when the seller of the house that you put an offer on ACCEPTS the offer WITH OUT countering! Glory be to God!!! That is awesome!!!

The inspection will be done tomorrow. We close on our current home on Thursday. If the Mortgage company can get the paper work together earlier than the 26th of this month then we could close sooner, which would be great!

Thank you Lord for meeting and exceeding ALL of our needs and for throwing in a few wants too! (like the pool and the guest room!) You are GREAT like that! ;)

The offer is made

2010-08-02T07:52:00.003-05:00

After house hunting Saturday and Sunday we found a house yesterday that meets and exceeds ALL of our wishes! GOD IS AWESOME!

We put a contract on the house and feel that the seller would be crazy not to accept it. We bid $9,900.00 less than their asking price but chose to pay all closing costs. We feel that this was a great offer considering the neigbhorhood, the economy, and the fact that the seller had already lowered the price %9,000.00 to the current list price that we saw.

It is a nice 4 bedroom/3 bath home. Two car garage. Big livingroom, formal dining and eat in kitchen. HUGE laundry room. Nice deck off the back and a POOL. It also has a dog-run to the side of the yard and a big grassy area on the other.

Please be in prayer and agreement that favor will be shown and that we were the only ones to put a contract on the house. (they had a few more showings.)

Moving On...

2010-07-28T19:09:00.003-05:00

This Past May, May 26th I believe, was 4 years ago that we bought our current home. Now, 4 years and 2 months later, our 1st house is SOLD! We are Moving On!

There is a little bit of sadness because many memories have already been made in this home. We came back to this home after our honeymoon two months after we bought it, we brought our 1st Son home from the hospital to this home and where our second son was conceived. (or was he or Corban conceived here?) :) Either way, though there is sadness there is MUCH happiness!

God has exceedingly and abundantly done and is still doing more than we can ever think or imagine. He really is an awesome God and truly loves us despite the many times that we fall.

We are now in over-drive to find a new home. This Saturday we will be with our realtor looking at houses. I am sure we will find one but just to show you again how GREAT our God is, if we do not find a home to our liking this Saturday or in the next couple of weeks, a friend is allowing us to move into her house, which is vacant, as long as we pay 1/2 the mortgage payment on the house. How AWESOME is that!

Moving into her house is our last resort of course but at least we will have a place to go if need be and to even make it BETTER, as if it could get any better, the house is furnished. About the only thing we would need to set up is Corbans bed and bring our clothes, which all of our stuff will be stored in her garage anyway.

Thank you Lord for your MANY blessings. SO MANY that I cannot even count them all! You are Awesome!!!

Hope you all are doing well!!!

Dear earthly Dad,

2010-07-13T07:56:00.003-05:00

You have been my dad since 1989. You have been the only Dad figure that I have known.

Through this 21 years we have had our ups and downs and ins and outs. There have been times where I hated you and there have been times, such as now, that I love you.

You have provided for our family and have shown me that you have to work and provide for yourself because no one else is going to do it for you.

There is a lot that I have learned from you. Some things are good and some are bad. I have learned things that I should do and I have learned things that I should not do. All of them are lessons learned and there are things I still have to work on.

I have seen you live a life that was pleasing to God and that showed me that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way, truth, and Life!

These past few years I have seen you traveling down a road that is leading to destruction. I, and the others, have expressed our love, concerns, opinions, etc to you to let you know how we feel but it seems that it has fallen on deaf ears. We have showed you love, even when it was hard, but we showed it because we really do love you. You have SO MUCH to live for! You have family, children, and grandchildren. Most of all you have Christ; if you will accept Him as your Savior.

I have told you many times that God is not waiting for you to change before you come to Him. His word says, "Come unto me all who are weary and I will give you rest; come just as you are!" The verse is saying that, "I, God, will change you. You cannot change yourself. Come to me and let me hold you, love on you, and show you that I can do EVERYTHING for you!"

Dad, the only hope that you have is to turn to God and allow Him to do a work in you that no other human could ever do! A work that even we cannot do for you.

Up until now there have been no consequences to your actions. Now, as you sit and read this in a Motel room I hope you realize that actions have to be taken by you to change what you have become, which Dad, you have become and have been, an alcoholic. You NEED help! You NEED help that none of us kids or mother can give you. You need help that you can't give yourself.

There is a place here called the Foundry that is a Christian based organization that helps addicts. They give counseling and put you to work and help you overcome this addiction.

We, your family, who will always be your family. Even though the marriage between you and mother is over, we are all here to love, help, and support you through this. Mother still wants the BEST for you, even if that best if separate from her. She loves you enough to let you go so those changes can happen. You can't love her or anyone for that matter if you do not have the love of Christ inside of you and if you don't first find out how to love who you are.

As you go down the path of Change and Restoration we will be beside you cheering you on, lifting you up in prayer, and supporting you.

I love you Dad! I will always love you and be here for you. You are always lifted up in my prayers and my phone is always on for your to call and our door is always open for you to come over.

Remember that John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world that he sent his only Son that who ever believes in Him should not perish but have Eternal life." Call upon the name of the Lord Dad; which is the ONLY name that can save you!

4th of July - 2010

2010-07-08T13:11:00.003-05:00

Veterans Park with Friends and Family for the fireworks!

Change of Plans

2010-07-02T13:10:00.002-05:00

Plans change, this I know. But if you cancel something that involved other people because of your change of plans do not expect everyone else that you cancelled on to change their plans for the new date and time. It's not going to happen! I've got plans and others may also. Just cancel the whole thing all-together.

What I really don't like is that the original plans were changed because something better came along.

Moving on...

This is 4th of July weekend. I will remember why we are celebrating this holiday weekend but I will also enjoy Monday off. I like having paid days off from work, especially when they fall on a Monday.

We did not plan anything (done on purpose) for this weekend. I am tired of feeling like we have to have an agenda all the time. Can't we just do what we want to do when we want to do it?! That includes lounging around the house all day in our undies or naked if we want to.

Though we didn't make any plans, we do have some things we will be doing. I think I will put-in a bike ride in the morning and then do some yard work. Then we will have some family time doing this and that. A local church has teamed up with their city and will be doing fireworks, music, food, a movie, etc at one of the parks. The thing I am loving the most though is that there is no "set schedule" to follow.

So, I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July and please take time to remember that our Freedom is not free and it comes with a daily price!

God Bless The USA!

Understanding?

2010-06-28T13:24:00.003-05:00

Many times, when things do not go as I thought they would, or certain prayer requests do not happen the way I wanted them to, I often wonder if I am suppose to have understanding of why?

When I pray, I do ask for God's Will and I try my best at all times to wait patiently while praying. I try not to get my hopes up too high, because I do not want to be let down, but that's crazy because I know God wants the best for us and I know it is okay to get excited. But I will say that I am let down when something doesn't go the way I wanted it to. Especially when it is something that all I can see is the good in it. BUT, I know God has the best in store for me and my family and He can see the future so I must trust in Him.

Subject change:

Friday night was Guys Night Out at church. We gathered together and played Texas Hold'em. I am not a poker player at all and have only played a few time. I must say though that I did really good. We had two tables, 5 players at one table and 6 at another. Once there was a total of 6 players remaining we combined the tables and played until a winner. I didn't win but I made it to the victory table and then quickly went out. Lots of fun though!

We packed up most of Jennifer's Grandmothers house on Saturday. (she was the one that passed away a couple months back). They found a cash buyer for the house without even listing it, which is awesome, so moving stuff out had to be done. After starting at 8:30am and ending by 6:00pm we finished out the night with BBQ at Jim 'N Nicks!

After church on Sunday some friends and I moved our couch into storage just to put another one in the house that we purchased. (hoping that our new house has a living room and den area ;) I didn't want to get rid of our other one because we really like it but we couldn't pass up the price on the one we got. I will try and remember to take a pic and post it. Corban approves of the new couch. It is a sectional and he l-o-v-e-s running from one corner to the next and laughing the whole way! It is too cute so it is hard to tell him no.

After all the moving we headed over to church for Family Fun Night. Lots of fun there. Grilling, three-legged race, egg race and egg toss, and spending time with church family.

All in all it was a great weekend! I could have used more sleep but why waste a weekend on sleep. That's what Monday afternoons at work are for or at least to play on Blogger and FB! ;) jk!

Days Of Our Lives...

2010-06-23T13:10:00.003-05:00

I don't think my life is boring; not by far. Though I do not live the "Suite Life" of Zack and Cody or "Get The Best of Both Worlds" like Hannah Montana, I have a great life.

I would say that my life centers more around "The Middle", "Everybody Loves Raymond", "Growing Pains", "Facts of Life," and maybe the ocassional "Golden Girls." These shows are or where more "real life" shows. You can actually see yourself going through and experencing the same things. The thing I like most about the shows is the love that the family/friends share with each other; even when they got mad at each other the love was still there. They showed more of what really happens when the digital camera was not ready to take a pic or when the video camera was not running.

Think about this for a moment: When you go over to someone elses house, the pictures on the wall are of the family members smiling ear to ear or laughing, playing, etc. Always something sweet and positive! I can't say that I have ever seen pictures showing where the husband and wife, children, or whomever is having a disagreement and someone is left crying or upset or depicting anything making you think that their life is nothing less than perfect.

When I was a teenager I remember our family meeting at a photo studio to take a family pic. It had not been the best couple of days but when the picture flashed we all stood there smiling as though we were the Brady Bunch and as if we always had this freakish smile on our faces. After we left the studio I went home, packed my bags, and ran-away.

I did end up going back home of course. The point I am trying to make is that "these are the days of our lives." No family is as perfect as the "brady bunch." For every "Golden" moment, there are times when you find yourself in "the middle" and wanting "the best of both worlds" but you soon realize that these are the "facts of life" and though there will be "growing pains" "everybody loves" you and you really are living the "suite life."

It is the moments in between the pictures that make us who we are. Enjoy this life that you live. Smile often and laugh much and focus more on the good things of life than the bad.

Summer Time

2010-06-11T13:22:00.002-05:00

I remember when Summer arriving meant something to me. But then again, I still worked during the summer. Come to think of it, I have worked since I was 14 years old. Oh well, I guess somethings never change. lol.

This summer we don't really have too much planned. We have a few things taking place on different weekends and a florida trip to visit the grandparents. We might grab a weekend and head up to the Smokies. Our main focus is baby #2 arriving in September. Which I think we are going to change the name to Asher Jackson. Also, we are still trying to sell the house. If there is no activity on it by the end of this month we may consider renting it out. Lord, please show us your way!

There are a lot of houses out there and a few that we are interested in. We need to go ahead and get pre-approved so we are ready to jump when we need to. Like they say, "It is a buyers market"...but it's not a sellers!

Corban is growing like ever. He is my Buddy and I love him so much! I really can't wait for Asher to get here; but time does not have to rush for that to happen. Time is already going by too fast as it is.

Have a great weekend!

Selling A House

2010-06-01T10:30:00.003-05:00

Our house has been For Sale since about October 2009. The only reason we are selling is because of our "growing family!"

We have had lots of interest on the house and a couple of verbal Contracts that never worked out. We have considered adding on but the cost of doing that just does not make since.

Four years ago we purchased the house for $110,000.00. The seller had it listed for $114,900.00. Four years ago the housing market was at its peak! Now, four years later, well, you know where the housing market is.

Before today we had the house listed for $117,900.00. With everything that it has, with all that has been done to it, and the advice of a realtor, we really felt that it was priced correctly.

Selling a house IS NOT fun. Especially when you have to make a decision, such as the one we made today. A decision to lower the price of the home to the price we paid for it when we bought it. I have officially listed the house for $110,000.00.

I have been holding off doing this because I refused to do it. There is a principle at stake here and a pride issue. A house was suppose to be an investment. I was suppose to make some sort of a profit off of the sell of a house. Now I am hoping and praying that when offers come in they are not for LESS than what we owe.

We sang a new song Sunday at church. It's called, "I give myself away!" The words are powerful and God moved during service. Here is the link http://www.youtube.com/user/TestedandTried#p/f/0/J4v5IXbEauM

Copy and paste the link to the search engine and listen to it. While singing the song, the word God gave was: "Why is it so hard for you to give me control! Give me control! Can't you see that I can do SO MUCH better than you can!"

P-O-W-E-R-F-U-L!!!

It was like God saying, "Eric, don't you think that I can still take care of you even if you have to sell your current home for what you paid for it four years ago or even if you sell it for less; as long as you are not upside down in it!" Obviously, I had to let my Pride fall and let the Principle of the matter fall. God is going to provide. All Jennifer and I can do is seek His will for our lives and Give ourselves away to Him. Because yes, He can do SO MUCH better than we can!

The words of the song applies to ALL areas of our lives. If you are a control freak like me then you know how hard it is to let go. But remember, you are not letting it go and letting another human being handle it. You are letting God have control over it!

Lord, ALL my HOPES and ALL my PLANS, I place them in YOUR hands...I give myself away!

15 months

2010-05-26T14:04:00.004-05:00

On May 20th Corban turned 15 months old. I must say that this time has gone by fast. We went the other day for his 15 month check up.

Corban went on his 1st Zoo trip this past Saturday. I think he liked it a lot. I will post pics sometime.

We are still praying for some unspoke requests. I know that God is in control but waiting is the hardest part.

My heart is heavy right now. I am sick and tired of seeing people I love being hurt by other people. It hurts me to see them hurt. I am tired of being hurt and feel like that I was just being used. Oh well, I guess there are "seasons" that are coming to an end; which is probably for the best! It takes two to make a relationship work. If you are the only one doing all the work to make the relationship continue on you might need to "take a hint" and cut the ties and move on. So long...

Life...in the fast lane!

2010-05-20T14:37:00.004-05:00

They say that when you have children life seems to go by faster. The statement is true but it is also true that when you are on your weeks vacation from work it goes by fast too.

15 months ago today my son Corban entered into this world. I can't believe how fast time has gone by. We have had our sleepless nights which seemed to go on forever but all in all, the time has gone by. Baby #2 will be here in less than 4 months; Talk about FAST!

I think we have settled on the name Emerson Jackson for son #2. Trust me, we have went through a lot of names. Emerson is still different but not off the wall different and Jackson is a family name on Jennifer's side. The funny thing is, I have always liked the name Jackson, Jennifer's favorite president of all time was Jackson, and there is a house in a local subdivision being built that has a Jackson floor plan that we both love. Incase you were wondering, baby #2 will be called Emerson.

We had two more people interested in the house but a week later...nothing. I think I am going to call one of them back today. She was REALLY interested but she called the day before she was going out of town so she might could have possibly lost my number. It's all about the SALE baby! We might have to start looking at the option of adding on again. I am not opposed to this I would just rather sale and purchase something else that already has all we need. You know, like the Jackson floor plan! I don't want to over-build the neighborhood either.

There are other things that Jennifer and I are praying about that I do not want to disclose at the moment. We want Gods perfect Will for our lives and are just believing Him for the BEST! If you want to pray for us, pray that we will know Gods Will when we see it and have the faith to trust Him 100%.

Oh, and a quick story on faith and trust: I was talking to a friend the other day that was telling me of their money problems and the kind of year they have had. I told them that though they have had a rough year that they are still standing and have not lost anything, house, car, etc. We got to talking about giving your tithe as commanded by God. They said they had not been giving like they should but it is hard. I understand I said but the one thing God tells us to test him on is giving. You CANNOT outgive God! Well, I was talking with them today and they said that they gave what they had to tithes. The next day they received money to cover their bills for two months and to catch up on other bills! (are you getting chill-bumps?)

HOW AWESOME IS OUR GOD!!! So, have you been doubting the provision of God? Trust Him and Him only! Lean NOT on your own understading! We live by faith not by sight! Man sees the outer appearance, but the Lord sees the heart!

Praying with your Spouse!

2010-05-10T13:47:00.002-05:00

Why is it so hard to pray with your spouse, boy/girlfriend or fiance? We can sometimes stop what we are doing and pray for a friend quicker than for our own mate.

I think it is because your mate knows you VERY well and, if you have been together for 6 months or more, they have seen the "other side" of you that others may not have seen or that you keep from them.

When you and your mate have been fighting, things might have been said in the heat of the moment and though you may have made up the memory is still there.

I have a hard time praying with my wife. I love her dearly and pray for her all the time, but we don't pray together like we should. Say, EVERY day!

Satan is known as the "accuser of the breathern and therefore loves to condemn me and put thoughts into my head like, "why pray with her, she knows you don't love her. Remember how you acted the other day. When you are praying together she isn't even listening, etc. etc. etc." Does this sound familiar to anyone else or is it just me?

LIES, LIES, and MORE LIES from satan.

We (I) MUST remember the POWER of prayer! Mountains are moved when we pray! Strong holds are broken! Doors are opened and closed! Our faith is tested and made stronger! Our paths are made clearer! Satan is crushed under our feet! And surprisingly, the relationship with our mate is not as complicated as it seemed to be!

There is POWER in prayer and praying together! The bible verse that says, "Where two or more are gathered in My name...,etc" makes a lot more sense now!

Lord, forgive me of not praying with Jennifer like I should. Forgive me for not loving her as You loved the church and gave yourself for us!

Satan, you are goin D-O-W-N!!!

What am I?

2010-05-07T14:54:00.001-05:00

What am I...

"When one does not know what it is, then it is something; but when one knows what it is, then it is nothing."

Funny Quotes!

2010-05-06T14:27:00.000-05:00

"When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car."

"I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me."

"A recent police study found that you’re much more likely to get shot by a fat cop if you run."

What do others see?...

2010-05-05T09:40:00.003-05:00

When others look at you, what do they see?

The Word says that, "they will know we are Christians by our love!" Do people see "love" when they look at you? In my life I know there are times where I am unloving; Attitude plays a big part in that and yes we must keep that in check because it effects the way we feel and how we deal with others.

I want to know, "do you portray TRUE love though?" The kind of love that says to people, "I love you no matter what! Come to me just as you are! Nothing that you've done could ever seperate me from you!" If those words sound familar they are. It is the words God has told to each of us.

I think the translation below, maybe New Living translation, describes it well.

1 Corinthians 13 teaches us The Way of Love:

If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up,
Love cares more for others than for self,
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have,
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.

When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.

We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

Show someone that you love them today! Don't buy them anything. Don't tell them that you love them with words. A simple smile (simple, but so underated), an act( remember, not buying them anything), not demanding perfection from them.(ouch)

L-O-V-E is an action word. It takes effort to do. I think that is why it is hard sometimes. Most of the time, it does not come natural. We love, because He, Jesus, first loved us!

"Dude Looks Like A Lady!"

2010-05-03T10:06:00.003-05:00

I am involved with Relay For Life, American Cancer Society!

One of the teams hosted a "Dude Looks Like A Lady" contest to raise money. Oh the Fun! Hey, they raised over $1200.00 Saturday night.

I would like to think I had something to do with it! What do you think? I didn't win the contest, but it was still LOTS of fun. I think the men in the audience likes their women a little on the trashy side than the sophisticated side. hahaha!!!

A sad time...

2010-04-26T15:16:00.004-05:00

A dear co-worker called me at 6:50am on Sunday morning to tell me that her 2 month old grandson passed away during the night. I couldn't believe it! I didn't want to believe it!

He died from suffocation. So many thoughts ran through my mind, and still do. I hurt so much for her because I know she was so happy and is in double pain because she also hurts for her son and daughter-in-law. I hurt also for her son and his wife because this was their only child. I can't help but think that, "if I hurt this much, I cannot even imagine the pain they feel."

When I got off the phone with her I went and got Corban and held him close. I didn't want to let him go. I kept thinking that we who have children have all done it! We have all put our children in the bed with us to console them or let them sleep with us just so we could get a little sleep ourselves. NOT ANY MORE! Please, if you put your child in the bed with you STOP RIGHT NOW!!! Don't think it can't happen to you!

I have cried so much! Lord, give them strength and peace and comfort! Surround them Lord as only you can do! I called my sister and told her to let their daughter, who is almost 2months, sleep in her own bed.

Corban woke up the other day from his nap crying. I was outside working in the yard and Jennifer was inside. The windows were open and I could hear his crying and I thought to myself, "that is the sweetest sound I have ever heard!" I would rather have him crying than me because...well...

Please keep the Sherrill family in your prayers! The viewing was last night and it was the hardest viewing I have ever attended. Lord, surrond them with your love!

Short Weekend

2010-04-19T11:53:00.004-05:00

Who invented the idea that we work 5 days and only get 2 off? I think it should be the other way around. I am sure that most of you would agree. :)

Friday night we went to dinner with Jennifer's parents and her brother's wife and son. We ate at Dale's Southern Grill, a place that is very good and the prices are great. I haven't eaten there in a long time so I am glad we went.

I meet a lady before dinner where I purchased a keyboard from her. She was selling it on Craigslist. I use to have a piano and we moved it to my parents house a couple years back so I have missed playing on it. The keyboard is much smaller and lighter, which is good. I want to get back to playing and learning the transition of the cords so I can play at church, etc.

Saturday morning I got up had my coffee, a banana, and then hit the road on my bike for a 30 mile ride. I left at 6:37am and got back about 9am. Pretty good if I might say so myself and exactly 30.02 miles. It was a great ride. Jennifer and Corban left shortly after that to go spend some time with with one of her girl-friends. That gave me time to clean the house and do some yard work for the open house that took place on Sunday.

NO ONE came to the open house and I feel pretty bumbed because of it. It was a beautiful day so maybe everyone was just taking advantage of it by going to the parks, etc, just to enjoy the weather. It did allow me to get a couple of hours to myself and read. I sat outside and soaked up the sun and Gods word.

Jennifer called me shortly after they left on Sunday and told me, "Everyone is fine but we have been in an accident!" I am glad everyone is okay but I do not like a statement starting out like that. Jennifer was at a complete stop and a lady re-ended her and Corban and the "baby-to-be." Everyone is okay including the baby. Which brings me to my next thing...

Because of the accident Jennifer went to the doctor yesterday to be sure everything was okay with the baby and they were able to tell her the sex of the child.(we originally were going to find out on the 28th of this month.)

I am PROUD to announce that I will be the Dad, again, to another baby BOY!!! So exciting! Now we have to pick a name. Jennifer is still not sold on Elliot. She likes many names and wants to, if possible, incorporate a family name of Jackson into it. Well, this is what I came up with: Elliot Jackson Snyder. I personally think it's great; she still does not like it because of Elliot. We could call him Eli for short.

Who knows what the little guys name will be. No matter what, I can't help but think just how blessed we really are!

Bike ride, grass cutting, school, praying...

2010-04-13T07:53:00.003-05:00

I forgot to tell you that I was able to get a bike ride in on Saturday. I decided to only ride 15 miles since it had been a while since I was "in the saddle!" Surprisingly it was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. It took me a about 1hr. to go 15 miles. It felt great! I need to get a ride in every weekend so I can get back in shape. The next rides will be between 30-50 miles each and hopefully improving on my time.

I got one side of the yard cut yesterday. Corban is such a great little man. I put him in his swing and he watched me mow. I need to get to the front, back, and other side done. I wonder if he will let me put him in his swing again today? I have a meeting tonight so I am not sure if I will be able to get it done or not?

Jennifer is wanting to take online classes to get her Masters in teaching. I know she misses teaching and misses being a volleyball coach. Having her Masters will allow her to teach in the public schools and not just private. Be praying that she is able to get some Grants and other funding so we do not have to take out student loans. We are already paying some and I would like NOT to add to them.

There are many things that I am praying about. I really feel right now that I am standing in place watching the world go about its day to day and all I can do is watch it happen. I want to participate but I can't seem to move my feet and join in. Don't get me wrong, I am doing stuff but I just feel that none of it is productive or making a difference.

Remembering "Simple Joy"

2010-04-12T08:17:00.001-05:00

The below is some of a post from a blog that I read. It is something that I needed to read this morning and be reminded of. I love when God works like that; which happens more than we probably see. It talks about "Simple Joy!" We truly are blessed and have SO MUCH to have JOY about.

Please read:

Simple joy is excitement upon seeing the first hummingbird at the feeder in the spring, making popcorn for family TV night, getting or giving a hug from or to someone, singing 70's tunes with your children, digging the weeds out of the garden, people watching while eating an ice cream cone on Main Street, listening to the purrs of your kitten. These are some of the simple joys in life.

I am blessed with experiencing the hand of God upon myself and my family. I am honored and privileged that my Saviour has heaped so many blessings upon me and my family. I want to see God's majesty around me and not be too busy and let it pass by me. And I thank my Lord and Father that each and every day he has opened my heart to simple joys!

"I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well feed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Phillipians 4:11-13"

Random Information

2010-04-08T14:47:00.002-05:00

-Corban is almost 14 months old. He is such a ham and keeps us laughing. I love that little guy!
-The house is still on the market. Since I paid the $274.00 to list with an MLS I have had not bites on it. What gives?!
-Some friends who listed their house about a month ago has a contract on theirs. I am happy for them but I can't help but think, "when will ours sell?"
-I worry about things that never happen. I can play out the whole scenario in my head all for nothing. Don't get me wrong, I am glad they never happen.
-Jennifer's grandmother's funeral is tomorrow. I will be singing "What a Friend We Have In Jesus." One of Grandmother's favorite songs.
-I have enjoyed having BOTH vehicles paid for; though I did look at a vehicle online today that I could have bought. Priorities though...right?! ;)
-I am hoping to get a bike ride in on Saturday morning. I NEED it!
-There is a cloud outside my office window that looks like a dog.
-The grass needs it's first cutting for the year. If it wasn't for the weeds it wouldn't need it. Stupid weeds!
-I think I am going to shave my beard off this weekend. (shedding the winter coat!:)
-Needs to give the house a good Spring cleaning. I have allowed it to go these past couple of weeks which is hard for me because I am OCD.
-Did you know that if you drink pepto-bismal and don't eat or drink or brush your teeth for a while it will form a brownish/black color on your tongue.
-The thunderstorm today has washed away the pollen...for now anyway.
-Not sure where to go from here? (not refering to the blog)
-Told you it was Random Information.

Easter Sunday and egg hunts with the Family...

2010-04-07T07:05:00.003-05:00

Visit with Cousin Connor

2010-04-07T07:03:00.000-05:00

Friday trip to the park and McD's w/Daddy!

2010-04-07T07:00:00.003-05:00

Not feeling at home...

2010-04-06T08:50:00.002-05:00

I don't know where we(my family) is suppose to be? I am talking about Church.

I believe that everyone should have a church that they call home and know that the people there are their family.

About 8 months ago we left our church that we were at for about 4 years. Many things led up to us deciding that we needed to leave but for the life of me I can't pin-point any exact thing.

We visited my wife's childhood church which is great but I just didn't feel that was the place.

We are now visiting another church with people that we know. Most of us use to go to church together and they started their own church. It is a great church but we have been going there since November and I still do not feel "at home." We did meet the lady that babysits our Son during the week while we go to work. We could not have found a better person.

I use to help the Pastor of the church we left lead praise and worship. Singing is my passion and I enjoy giving praises to my King through song. God really moved during praise and worship there and He started using me more and more.

I honestly feel lost right now and I hate the feeling. I am suppose to be the spiritual leader in my house and I feel that I am not fulfilling that role 100%.

I always saw myself one day being a praise and worship leader and/or a choir director some place. Not necessarily full time. Now I don't know what I feel? I don't know what to do either?

I have prayed about it...but I have not "prayed without ceasing." Like a child that is crying because it is hungry or cries until it gets what it wants/needs, I should cry/pray to God and stay crying/praying until I get my answer.

I just don't know?...

It's not the employee's fault!

2010-04-05T13:22:00.004-05:00

Friday I took my 13 month old Son to his 1st McD's trip. When we walked in I looked around for a high-chair and could not find one. I asked the employee behind the counter if they had one. Here is how the conversation went.

Me: Do you have any high chairs.
Girl: No.
Me: Seriously.
Girl: I have never seen them.
Me: Seriously! A place that is considered a child friendly place, has a play ground for children, has no high chairs!(being said with a very sarcastic tone)

About that time a lady that looks to be a manager came around and said, "what is it?" So I said to her, "you don't have any high-chairs?" She said, "yes, they are on the play ground." I said, "Oh...she(pointing to the employee) said you didn't."

I don't blame the employee. I blame the manager lady. She is also the manager lady that when I went to get our sundae for dessert only put fudge on the top instead of the bottom and top. When the same employee said, "he wanted fudge on top and bottom the manager said, "well, you didn't charge him for extra fudge" as she proceeded to hand me the sundae. So now it's my fault that the employee screwed up.

All I can say is that the manager lady better be glad that I had my Son with me or that is was Good Friday...cause I was trying to be good...which I think I did pretty well at trying to be good. Truthfully, I didn't need the extra fudge anyway; but I still wanted it.

Oh, also, later that evening I had a guy cut me off in traffic. I normally would blow my horn but I thought I would be "Good" again. Well, everything was fine and dandy until he and a passenger in the back seat shot me a bird. Well, I laid on the horn as a way of saying THANKS A LOT!!!

It was then that I noticed the Christian Jesus fish, with the name JESUS written in the middle, on this truck that just cut me off and shot me a bird. Since the weather was nice, our windows were down and he was staring out his window at me so I stuck my head out and told him, "I notice you have a Jesus fish on your truck. I am sure that Jesus is VERY happy with you and how you shot me a bird." Well, he didn't have much to say after that. He sort of tried to say, "Yea, well...I bet He is happy that you...uhhh...blew your horn at me." I am sure the guy went home and removed the Jesus Fish from his vehicle.

From the abundance of the heart...

2010-04-01T12:15:00.003-05:00

...the mouth speaks!

I don't know the verse in the bible where the above statement comes from but I DO NOT like it.

None of us are perfect and there are times where we allow people, things, and life to get to us. If something has "gotten to me" I normally will show it by opening my mouth. It is usually something in the negative sense. I hate it when this happens! When my mouth starts speaking and these negative things come out I always think back to this verse and wonder to myself if that is what my heart is filled with.

Here's a new take on Spiritual Fasting. There are many reasons why we Fast and many things we can Fast. But I am going to focus on the "Fasting of food."

The moment I decide to Fast, my flesh rises up against me. Our body needs food and when mine is not getting it it starts feeding off my emotions. Jennifer can always tell when I am hungry because I start getting snippy and she knows that I need food.
So, I am Fasting (sacrificing) food for a spiritual reason and at the same time I start getting into a war with myself and with those around me.

"Lord, I am trying to Fast here!" Why is this frustration inside of me coming out during this time? Could it be that while you might be Fasting for something/someone, God is doing a work inside of you at the same time? Fasting is a cleansing too! God knows what we need even the things that need to be striped away. (i.e. our frustrations, our flying off the handle bars, popping off at the mouth, etc.)

So, back to the verse: "From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks!" My question was: Is this what my heart is filled with? As hard as it is to accept the answer is a resounding YES! That stuff would not come out of us(me) if it wasn't in there to begin with.

The next question would be: What am we(I) going to do about it? We are going to have to "FAST" it out of us.(starve it out! Quit feeding it!) Not by our strength though, because we have no strength. It has to be with Gods strength. Luke 18:27 says, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

While you are Fasting it out of you don't be hard on yourself when you fall. Pick yourself back up, dust yourself off, give an apology when needed, ask for forgiveness, and continue on. The only one without sin was Jesus and the last I checked in the mirror I was FAR from perfect but I can follow in the footsteps of the one that was and is perfect!

Oh, and one more thing, if you are still reading this long post, remember too that the Bible says, "In your anger do not sin!" That proves that it is okay to get angry, just handle it correctly. Jesus tossed over the money tables in the synagogue(i think that was the place). He must have been angry! :)

Sense of Smell

2010-03-31T12:26:00.002-05:00

The sense of smell is a powerful thing. At least for me. I have a very good sense of smell. The one thing about my sense of smell is that it causes me to "go back" to another place and time. I can be somewhere and smell something and I have a flash back of a memory or some kind. (good or bad).

Yes, the sense of smell is a powerful thing. The word "smell" is also a funny sounding word. Say it again...smell...now say it over and over...smell...smell...smell. Told you it was funny sounding!

Both ways CAN'T be YOUR way!

2010-03-26T07:16:00.003-05:00

I love getting together with family for the holidays.

When you get married though, getting together for holidays brings on a whole new meaning. You have to play the 'ol Swith-A-Rue.

My wife and I switch Thanksgiving locations every year. One year with my family and the next with hers. If our families lived in the same direction we could probably see both but it is literally the opposite direction. (one east and the other west). On Christmas we see both sides because we are only going to my inlaws house about 10minutes away and then heading to my parents and then we get back to our house around 9 or 10pm that night.

Well here it is Easter! My Mother ALWAYS sacrafices and works around other peoples schedules but she wants to have Easter at her house on the actual day but once again it seems that it is going to have to happen on the Saturday before.

The schedule is worked out for Saturday because certain family members have to have it their way and CANNOT make it if it stays on Sunday.(as if you not being there should stop us from getting together at all).

So the schedule is reworked so they can come, which is okay but...the other family members also have plans on Saturday and wants to make it later than the 1:00pm that we have it scheduled for. WHAT! NO! The time is staying 1:00pm. We also have plans on Saturday and we are cutting them short so we can get travel the 1 1/2 hrs. to my parents, hide the eggs, eat, let the kids hunt the eggs, spend a little more time with the family, and then head back to our house.

Look, the schedule was already changed for you. You CAN'T have both ways YOUR way! Cut your plans short. Sacrafice something! Heck, we are celebrating Easter here. You know, where Jesus sacraficed His life for you.

Gold Par-tay!!!

2010-03-22T07:41:00.001-05:00

Just a reminder that this Saturday, March 27th I will be hosting a Gold Party at my house from 11am – 1pm. Come and go as you please. I will be grilling hotdogs, buffalo chicken dip and serving drinks!

Bring your unused, damaged, unwanted, boyfriends, girlfriends, ex’s, current spouses, whosever jewelry and get PAID for coming to a party!

If you can’t make it to the party be sure to bring your jewelry to me in a bag with your name and number on it so I can tell the lady who to write the check out to.

Let me know if you are coming and I will give you the address to my house!!!

See you there!!!

Remember, I get paid for hosting the party and a portion of my earnings will go towards Relay For Life!(American Cancer Society)

Sunny Skies

2010-03-19T13:36:00.003-05:00

It is so nice outside that I didn't want to come back from lunch. I see nothing but blue sunny skies as I look out my window...FINALLY! It is only going to last today and tomorrow but I will take what I can get.

I opened up a couple of windows at home and put the dog outside. Zoe, our dog, is so funny! When I chain her up outside she lays down on the ground and doesn't move. I guess she thinks she is in trouble because normally that is why she gets chained up but I told her that there is no reason to be inside on such a nice day. I wish someone would chain me up outside! :)

The truck in is need of a good bath so I guess I will be washing it this afternoon when I get home, which will give me a reason to be out in this beautiful weather.

If you remember from a previous post you will recall that the wife and I are sneaking away this weekend for a "rendezvous." She knows now that we will be heading to Atlanta to visit the Ikea store and visiting with my brother. I haven't told her anything else but she is a smart one so I am sure she knows what kind of place we will be spending the night at. I am just looking forward to a nice get-a-way with my Bride, which will be my bride for a total of 4 years so far this coming July 22nd.

Also, the St. Joseph statue that I ordered came in yesterday. If the wife gets home before dark we will follow the directions of burying it in the yard and pray!

Everyone have a great weekend! Put off all the inside chores and get your butt outside as much as you can and enjoy this weather!

Family and Friends

2010-03-18T15:07:00.004-05:00

Pics from visiting with family and friends last weekend!

Dinner with Friends

2010-03-17T10:44:00.002-05:00

I had dinner with my old roommate last night. He was my roommate before I got married. We always have great conversation when we meet and we both always seem to bring revelation to things that we have been dealing with in life.

Tonight the fam and I are having dinner with some other friends. Like I said in a previous post, "Make time for Friends," even if it seems to get you out of your normal routine which is a good thing if it does.

On another note I have planned a "rendezvous" with the wife this weekend. We will drop Corban off at my parents house along the way so we can have some time together. My Mother has been wanting Corban to spend the night with her anyway so I am going to take advantage of the situation and take advantage of my wife. ;) Plus, with baby #2 on the way we have to do all we can do to spend time together.

I can't tell you what or where we are going because I am trying to keep it a secrete from Jennifer but she is guessing like crazy. Even if she guesses it I am not going to tell her, because I am mean like that! lol.

Pics from the weekend will be posted next week so be sure to check back!

St. Joseph

2010-03-15T14:09:00.002-05:00

I have had 3 or 4 people tell me to bury a St. Joseph statue in my yard and our house will sell. I have a friend whose house sold 2 weeks after burying the statue.

When I first heard of such I laughed and thought, "Oh My!"but yesterday, once again, someone told me to do it and the house would sell.

Well, I must tell you that I currently have a St. Joseph statue being mailed to me today that I ordered from eBay at the grand total of $5.39(free shipping).

Upon viewing the statue on-line I found out that there is a prayer that you have to say to start it off and make your request known and then a prayer that you say each day. Copy and paste this site to read it: http://www.stjosephsite.com/SJS_Prayer_To%20sell%20a%20home.htm

For those of you who know me you know I am not Catholic or practice catholic beliefs. I do not understand the fact of praying to Mary, Joseph, Peter, Paul, or whomever nor do I find it right or wrong. I believe in praying directly to God and making my requests known to Him.

I read the Opening Prayer and about the only part I do not agree with is the following: "St. Joseph, just and true, with a father's care....I entrust myself to your care and place in your hands this request of mine (say request)." When I get to this part I will pray directly to God and entrust myself to Him.

All in all, the "day prayers" are directed and asking God to come to my aid and Day 7 is a prayer that I need to pray every day. Day 7: "God, our Father, give your fatherly spirit to those who are fathers now. Like Joseph, give them hearts of devoted love for their wives and children and strength for forgiveness and patience."

Once the statue gets here I will be burying it head down and facing the house as directed. Stay tuned for the date of when it sells. I am praying that it sells at most in 2 weeks.I don't think it hurts to try and if someone was telling me to bury a voo-doo doll or buddha or some crap like that then I wouldn't even be attempting it. The good that can come from this is our house selling and me learning to pray, again, for specific things. Gods word tells us to, "make our requests known to Him!" I think that sometimes we forget to do that.

The word also tells us that when we pray, pray as such, "Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen." WOW! So much revelation in that prayer alone!

Does my butt look big...

2010-03-12T08:32:00.002-06:00

...in these pants?

I "heart" food. I can eat, eat, and eat! Chocolate is one of my favorites and it is hard for me to pass it up but starting today I HAVE to start skipping and putting the fork down.

I gained weight while my wife was pregnant with our Son and lost a few pounds after but have gained it all back plus some! I cannot afford to gain any during this second pregnancy. The pants are already tight, some which I can't even button, and I just don't like the way I look or how I feel. I refuse to go out and buy more clothes. I also think that once I turned 30 last September that any metabolism that I had went away.

I also MUST pick back up my bike riding. When I ride I usually go about 30-50 miles each time and though it sucks sometimes during the ride I always feel great afterwards and it is a great way to loose the weight.

So, here goes the dieting. Not the only eating salads and no sweets diet, just a diet where I eat less of something and not as much sweets and where I get back on my bike and burn these pounds off. I can do this! I use to wear a size 34 pants and I dropped to a size 32; which is what I am now squeezing into.

Wish me luck!